Friday’s Last Spoonful: Neufchâtel cheese

A fancier cream cheese
Right next to regular American cream cheese in most supermarkets is a similar cheese called Neufchâtel cheese. What Americans call Neufchâtel cheese is actually a low-fat cream cheese that is very different from true French Neufchâtel cheese. Americans may also call it “farmer’s cheese.” Legend has it that modern American cream cheese evolved from an American farmer’s attempts at making true Neufchâtel cheese. What is real Neufchatel? It’s originally a French cheese named after a village in northeast France. Historians believe that French Neufchâtel cheese has been produced in the Normandy region of France since the sixth century. Look for true, fresh Neufchâtel cheese that is white, soft, and slightly crumbly. Also available is an aged variety of Neufchâtel cheese that is more pungent, grainy, and crumbly. Look for the French variety of this cheese in gourmet markets and fine cheese stores. And remember, don't confuse the cream cheese substitute for the authentic version.